A Piece of Me

32

Elizabeth's pov

I figured that if Colby was actually filming, he would need at least a half hour. So I decided to give him his space, and to hang out with Jake instead.

"Thanks for helping us today," I said, sitting on the beanbag in his room.

"What else would I have done?" He asked with a shrug.

"Doesn't matter," I shook my head, "I just want you to know that I'm very grateful for it,"

"Yeah. I'm still surprised that you guys are relatively fine," He grinned, leaning forward on his bed to ruffle my hair.

"Well, besides my neverending headache and my chest feeling like it's on fire I'm alright," I leaned back, folding my hands behind my head.

"So, before you met Colby, what did you do for fun?" He asked, "Cause it seems he takes up a lot of your time now,"

"I'd hang out with my other friends," It wasn't exactly a lie, but it wasn't the truth either.

I still haven't said much to Stas since she left. I am starting to feel bad about it, but until I tell my dad about Colby, this is how it'd have to be.

"Really?" He asked, "You should bring them around, introduce them to the girls. They would love them,"

"Eh," I left out the part that most of my friends were currently frying their brains with ecstasy or meth, "Probably not,"

"Isn't it weird how you literally lived next to us for who knows how long and we're only now just becoming friends?" He asked happily, "LIke, how crazy is that?"

"I suppose it is. To be fair, I hated you guys until I snuck into your party," I admitted. "What? Why?" He asked, mocking hurt.

"Because, you guys are loud as fuck and are always throwing shit in my yard," I explained.

"Us? Psh, never," Jake waved the words away with his hand.

"I forgive you," I sang, rubbing my forehead with my fingertips.

"That's only because you practically live here now," Jake laughed, and when I shot him a glare he kept on talking, "I mean, I don't blame you. I'd do anything to sleep in the same bed as Colby,"

"I know. You're so jealous," I joked, rolling my eyes.

"Yeah, I can't even tuck him in anymore. Did you know I used to read him bedtime stories?" He asked with a chuckle.

"Actually?" I asked, causing him to shake his head. "No, Elton would before he moved out and I moved in,"

"Huh," I looked around the room, "Isn't it weird to think that he used to live here?"

"No, because we still see him when he's not traveling. He's actually going to Australia with the boys," Jake informed.

"Really? Wait, so that means you aren't going?" I asked, sitting up slowly and leaning against his bed.

"No, it's just Sam, Colby and Corey. Aaron and I will be here," He sighed, tracing an invisible tear down his face.

"Oh. I'll come over if you want me to so you won't be so lonely," I offered, and he nodded, "Thanks bestie,"

"We aren't besties," I decided after a couple of seconds. "Yes we are," Jake grinned, "Just admit it. We're pretty fucking cool,"

"Halloween is coming up," I said suddenly, "What are you dressing up as?"

"I don't know," He shrugged, "I'll ask Kat, she usually has pretty good ideas,"

"Interesting," I hummed as the room fell silent.

"It's been a minute since he's started filming," I thought out loud, "I'm gonna see if he's done,"

"Alright, have fun," He wiggled his fingers at me as I stood up.

"Bye bestie!" Jake shouted as I left the room.

I had given Colby quite a bit of time since he wanted to go upstairs almost a half an hour ago.

Jake and I had hung out downstairs for almost twenty or so minutes before we came up here with drinks and snacks, which we finished off ages ago.

I listened for Colby's voice as I got closer to his room, to see if maybe he was talking to his camera.

I lightly tapped on his door before popping it open, giving him a couple of seconds to kick me out before coming in.

"Hey," I said softly, "How're you feeling?"

He was shirtless, sitting at his desk with his headphones on. I briefly remember Devyn mentioning how Colby and Jake tended to spend most of their leisure time with no shirt on.

It was an odd sight to see, but very attractive either way.

He must not have heard me, his focus on his laptop.

I walked across the room to him, briskly tapping my fingers on his shoulder. He hardly jumped, glancing over at me as he pulled off his headphones, "You scared the shit out of me,"

I chuckled, repeating my question, "How's your ribs?"

"Broken," He sighed with a bittersweet smile, "They said I can't sleep on my stomach, which is gonna suck ass,"

"So what are we gonna do about your car?" I asked, perching myself on the arm of his chair.

"The Pussy Magnent?" He asked, causing me to gasp and slap his chest. "Girls love men who drive Toyota Corollas," He added.

"Well, you have me so you don't need that anymore. You should get a Toyota Camry or some shit," I joked, crossing my arms.

"I called the dealership, and so I'm getting a rental until I leave for Australia. I'll worry about a new car when I get home," He rubbed the side of his face, "I can't believe that happened. I'm still in shock, I think,"

"Yeah, me too," I said with a half grin, "At least we're all right, though,"

"Thank God," He whispered, shaking his head, "I just can't help but wonder what would've happened if I lost you, you know?"

"I'm right here, though. You know I'm okay. A little shaken up and concussed, but I'm alright," I reassured, sliding my hand into his with a squeeze.

"We got through that, it's almost like we can get through anything," I continued, and Colby smiled at me.

It didn't quite reach his eyes, though.

I had a feeling we were both wondering if I just jinxed us.